How to Price Your Airbnb in Matane: The Complete 2026 Guide

Matane offers a unique mix of rugged coastline, salmon fishing, and authentic Gaspésie culture that travelers crave. This guide covers everything you need to set smart rates that attract guests and maximize your revenue year-round.

Understanding the Matane Short-Term Rental Market

• Matane attracts a steady flow of outdoor enthusiasts headed to the Gaspé Peninsula and Parc national de la Gaspésie.
• Demand spikes around the famous Matane salmon fishing season on the Rivière Matane, drawing anglers from across Canada and the US.
• Local tourism is heavily seasonal, with most visitors arriving between June and October for hiking, whale watching, and coastal drives.
• Business travelers and government workers provide a small but consistent weekday demand, especially during the fall months.
• Airbnb supply in Matane is limited compared to larger Quebec cities, giving well-priced listings a strong occupancy advantage.

Matane's Seasonal Pricing Calendar

Peak Season

Rate: 1.8x to 2.5x your base rate. This runs from mid-July through late August when families and tourists flood the region for warm-weather activities. Focus on minimum stays of 3-4 nights to maximize revenue per booking.

High Season

Rate: 1.3x to 1.6x base. June and September offer strong demand from salmon fishermen and fall foliage seekers. Keep minimums at 2 nights to capture both weekend and midweek travelers.

Shoulder Season

Rate: 0.9x to 1.1x base. October and May see lighter crowds but attract dedicated photographers and early-season anglers. Lower minimums to 1 night to fill gaps.

Low Season

Rate: 0.6x to 0.8x base. November through April is quiet, with only occasional snowmobilers and local workers. Offer deep discounts or consider seasonal closures to save on utilities.

Event-Specific Pricing Windows

• Fête du Saumon (late June): Raise rates 1.5x for this annual salmon festival celebrating Matane's signature fish.
• Grande Traversée de la Gaspésie (late July): Bump rates 1.3x during this cycling event that brings hundreds of participants through the region.
• Hunting Season Openers (September-October): Increase rates 1.4x for moose and deer hunting weekends when outdoor groups book entire homes.

Setting Your Base Rate in Matane

Build Your Comp Set

Identify 8-12 comparable Airbnb listings within a 5 km radius of your property. Focus on similar size, amenities, and guest capacity to establish a realistic baseline. Update your comp set every 3 months as new listings enter the market.

Neighbourhood Matters in Matane

• Centre-Ville: Close to restaurants and the marina, commands a 10-15% premium over outlying areas.
• Pointe-à-la-Croix: Waterfront views and proximity to the ferry to Baie-Comeau justify 15-20% higher rates.
• Saint-Jérôme: Quiet residential zone near the Rivière Matane, ideal for fishing guests at standard rates.
• Saint-Luc: Farther from downtown, typically 10% lower than centre-ville, but appeals to budget travelers.
• Route 132 Corridor: High visibility but traffic noise; price 5-10% below centre-ville to stay competitive.

Weekday vs Weekend Split

Set weekends (Friday-Saturday) at 1.3x to 1.5x your weekday rate. Business travelers and fishermen often book weeknights, so keep weekday pricing competitive to maintain occupancy.

The New Listing Strategy

Start at 20-30% below your target rate for the first 90 days to build reviews and visibility. Once you have 5-10 positive reviews, gradually raise prices to match your comp set.

Matane STR Regulations

Quebec requires all short-term rental hosts to register with the CITQ (Corporation de l'industrie touristique du Québec) and display your registration number on listings. You must also collect and remit provincial and municipal taxes, including the 9.5% lodging tax. Check our STR Regulation Finder for the latest requirements.

Pricing Mistakes Matane Hosts Make

• Ignoring shoulder season: Many hosts leave rates high in October and May, missing out on budget-conscious travelers who fill empty calendars.
• Overpricing during low season: Charging summer rates in January leads to zero bookings and wasted marketing spend.
• No minimum night rules: Accepting 1-night bookings during peak summer reduces revenue potential and increases turnover costs.
• Forgetting event timing: Not adjusting prices for the Fête du Saumon or hunting weekends leaves significant money on the table.
• Setting and forgetting: A static rate all year ignores real-time demand shifts and hurts both occupancy and income.

When to Switch to Dynamic Pricing in Matane

Dynamic pricing is worth it once you have 5+ active bookings per month and want to automate rate adjustments. It helps you capture last-minute demand spikes and avoid empty nights during slow periods.

Dynamic pricing tools like Beyond Pricing connect directly to your Airbnb calendar and adjust rates daily based on real-time demand data.

See our Analytics & Revenue Software directory for a full comparison of pricing tools to find the best fit for your Matane listing.

Quick-Start Matane Pricing Checklist

• Register with CITQ and display your number
• Analyze 8-12 comps within 5 km
• Set base rate using neighbourhood guidance
• Apply seasonal multipliers (peak: 1.8x, low: 0.6x)
• Add event windows for Fête du Saumon and hunting
• Create weekday/weekend split (1.3x-1.5x weekends)
• Use our Airbnb Fee Calculator to understand your net payout
• Check our STR Profit Calculator to model revenue against costs
• Set minimum nights: 3-4 in peak, 1 in low season
• Review rates monthly and adjust for new listings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average nightly rate for an Airbnb in Matane?

A typical 2-bedroom apartment in centre-ville ranges from $90 to $130 per night in peak season and $50 to $70 in low season. Rates vary significantly by location and amenities.

Do I need to charge taxes on my Matane Airbnb?

Yes, you must collect and remit the Quebec lodging tax of 9.5% plus applicable municipal taxes. Airbnb often handles collection automatically, but confirm your CITQ registration is active.

How far in advance should I set my pricing calendar?

Open your calendar for bookings 6 to 12 months ahead, with seasonal rate changes applied at least 3 months in advance. This gives guests planning summer trips time to find your listing.

Should I offer discounts for weekly or monthly stays?

Weekly discounts of 10-15% work well for shoulder and low seasons, but avoid them during peak summer when you can fill nights at full rates. Monthly discounts of 25-30% attract snowbirds in winter.

What if a new listing opens near me with lower prices?

Monitor your comp set monthly and adjust your base rate down by 5-10% if a direct competitor appears with lower prices and similar quality. Focus on your reviews and unique amenities to justify your premium.